GC20Z95 Black Backs on Rangi (Traditional Cache) in North Island, New Zealand created by kiwicouple

GC20Z95 ▼

A cache by kiwicouple Message this owner

Hidden : 11/14/2009

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A coastal walk to a black-backed gull breeding colony at Flax Point on Rangitoto Island.

Rangitoto has several nesting sites of black-backed gulls. The colony at Flax point is the youngest, and now one of the biggest. In 1964 there were less than 50 nests, but only five years later there were over 500. Now thousands of black-back gulls build their nests across the broken scoria fields on the low coastal flats. Nests are commonly situated on higher parts of lava mounds where gulls can easily take off and land. Nest density on such mounds is often extremely high with many nests in a group situated less than one metre apart. Eggs are hatched in December and January.
Associated with the development of a gull colony is the prolific growth of encrusting lichens. It is thought that the lichen in these areas, together with the nest material brought in by the gulls, and the enriching effect of the gulls' excrement, have been key factors in the initial development of the island's vegetation.

The gull colony is about a 1.5 km walk from the Rangitoto wharf on a well-maintained track. The track keeps far enough from the birds to avoid any disturbance. We suggest taking binoculars if you want a closer view of the birds.
The cache is a 2 litre Sistema container covered with black tape. It is hidden about 5 metres off the track, on a small mound covered with vegetation. Tread carefully on these last few metres, as the scoria may be loose underfoot.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Onfr bs fznyy jvaq-furnerq gerr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)